Skip to main content

Empire Pillows and Throws

EMPIRE STYLE

From 1804–15, Napoléon I reigned as the emperor of France, bringing the country into a new era of opulence after the fall of the monarchy and the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. He declared, “We must have very solid things, made to last 100 years.” Empire-style furniture followed suit, with imposing pieces constructed from mahogany and adorned with gilded ornaments. Expanding on the neoclassicism popularized in the previous century — such as in ​​Louis XVI style — Empire style borrowed from the great civilizations of antiquity, from Egypt to Greece and Rome, to connect this nascent empire to the power of the past.

Napoléon I believed the production of fine furniture would reflect the stature of the republic, with his official architects Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine leading the way with their work on his residences.

Luxurious materials, symmetrical shapes and bold colors characterize antique Empire-style bedroom furniture, armchairs, cabinets and other structures, with frequent motifs including mythological creatures, geometric designs, acanthus leaves, eagles, bees (the imperial emblem) and swans, a favorite of Empress Joséphine. Flat surfaces, like marble tabletops, were accented with decadent details, such as the bronze furniture mounts made by sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thomire for the French palaces. Martin-Guillaume Biennais, who worked as the imperial goldsmith, crafted intricate luxury objects that mixed wood, fine metal, mother-of-pearl and ivory.

The style became popular abroad, influencing the American Empire style. Stately pieces carved with sprigs of olives by cabinetmaker Pierre-Antoine Bellange were acquired by American President James Monroe for the White House in 1817.

Find a collection of antique Empire tables, lighting, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.

5
3
to
4
7
8
8
8
2,307
283
93
72
66
66
59
54
44
44
40
37
30
13
7
4
1
5
3
7
4
2
2
1
6
6
1
1
1
2
1
Style: Empire
Leopard Fur Pillow, Springbok Skin 16x16" 40x40cm
Located in Dural, AU
It's the season of wild and exotic leopard prints, so set your interiors free with this glamorous leopard fur pillow. A beautifully designed print, screen printed over an African Springbok skin...
Category

2010s Australian Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Fur

Antique Green and Gold Trim and Tassel Passementerie
Located in Oakland Park, FL
Antique green and gold trim and tassel passementerie. Woven wool and silk. Ideal for pillows, window shade trim, upholstery or lampshades. Size: 2...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Wool, Silk

19th Century Ottoman Empire Persian Silver Metallic Threads Embroidered Textile
Located in Oakland Park, FL
19th century Ottoman Empire Persian silver metallic threads embroidered textile. Silver on burgundy color silk velvet. Ideal to frame it and hang it as a tapestry or to make it into...
Category

19th Century Armenian Antique Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Metallic Thread

Schumacher Toile De La Prairie Pillow in Blue
Located in New York, NY
This pillow features Toile De La Prairie with a self welt finish. A meadow’s worth of songbirds, butterflies, blooming branches, and seed pods intermingle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton

Set of '2' Antique Yellow and Red Empire Stripes Textile Panels
Located in Oakland Park, FL
Antique yellow and red Empire stripes textile panels accent stripe. In shades of yellow, red and green. Ideal for pillows or upholstery. Size panel o...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Silk

Schumacher Toile Tropique Pillow in Gold
Located in New York, NY
This pillow features Toile Tropique with a knife edge finish. A nod to the illustrations of early-1800s botanical etchers—the artists-in-residence on seagoing voyages who sketched ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton

Antique French Silk Applique Seat Cover
Located in Oakland Park, FL
Antique French silk applique seat cover. French Empire chair seat cover, satin with silk threads. Flowers and leaves all around. Size: 18" x 17"...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Satin, Silk

Antique Green and Gold Trim and Tassel Passementerie
Located in Oakland Park, FL
Antique green and gold trim and tassel Passementerie. Woven wool and silk. Ideal for pillows, window shade trim, upholstery or lampshades. Size: 2...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Silk, Wool

Related Items
Blue Chinese Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from an early 20th century Chinese blue Peking rug. Measures: 18'' x 18''.
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Foam

  • Blue Chinese Rug Pillow
  • Blue Chinese Rug Pillow
  • Blue Chinese Rug Pillow
  • Blue Chinese Rug Pillow
W 18 in. L 18 in.
Lapin Pillow in Anthracite Color
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful rabbit fur pillow in anthracite color with heather wool backing. Modern and delightful pillows with luxurious comfort. It is made of genuine rabbit fur with a zipper enclos...
Category

2010s American Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Fur, Down, Feathers

  • Lapin Pillow in Anthracite Color
  • Lapin Pillow in Anthracite Color
  • Lapin Pillow in Anthracite Color
  • Lapin Pillow in Anthracite Color
H 18 in. W 18 in. D 6 in.
Accent Ball Pillow in Blue Fabric
Located in Utrecht, NL
One might not realize it, but decorative, or accent pillows are among the most important home accessories. Pillows are the easiest and fastest way to transform an entire home decor. ...
Category

2010s European Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Fabric

  • Accent Ball Pillow in Blue Fabric
  • Accent Ball Pillow in Blue Fabric
  • Accent Ball Pillow in Blue Fabric
  • Accent Ball Pillow in Blue Fabric
H 9.45 in. Dm 9.45 in.
Fur Body Pillow, Black, Real Toscana Sheep Fur
Located in Sebastopol, CA
Real fur you can feel good about. Front is finished in 100% upcycled Toscana sheep fur from Spain, made from "leave behind" pieces from an Italian glove ...
Category

2010s American Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Fur

Scalamandré Leopard Pillows, Pair
Located in Tampa, FL
A pair of handmade silk and cotton Italian Scalamandré leopard pillows. Beige linen backs. Goose down filling. Italy, 2018.
Category

2010s Italian Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Textile, Cotton, Linen, Silk

  • Scalamandré Leopard Pillows, Pair
  • Scalamandré Leopard Pillows, Pair
  • Scalamandré Leopard Pillows, Pair
  • Scalamandré Leopard Pillows, Pair
H 22 in. W 22 in. D 5 in.
AAKAR Color Block Silk Pillow In Indigo Gold
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Custom design by Studio Variously, AAKAR pillow is handmade by master artisans in India. A sustainable design brand based out of Michigan, Studio Variously exclusively collaborates ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Silk

Kala Silk Color Block Pillow in Black Gold
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Custom design by Studio Variously, Kala pillow , our bestseller , is handmade by master artisans in India. A sustainable design brand based out of Michigan, Studio Variously exclusiv...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Silk

Throw, Fox Fur, Full Skins
Located in New York, NY
Large fox throw. Full skins. Backed with cashmere / wool. Fox skins from Sweden. Delivery time 4-5 weeks.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Fur

  • Throw, Fox Fur, Full Skins
  • Throw, Fox Fur, Full Skins
  • Throw, Fox Fur, Full Skins
  • Throw, Fox Fur, Full Skins
H 82 in. W 78 in. D 2 in.
Graffiti Toile Throw Pillows by Christian Astuguevieille for Pierre Frey, Set/2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of round tufted pillows custom made in Pierre Frey's "Symboles les Coquecigrues". The fabric was designed in collaboration with French artist Christian Astuguevieille, who uses ...
Category

2010s French Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton, Textile

Springbok Cushion, Real Fur
Located in Paris, FR
Cushion in real Springbok fur.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Fur

  • Springbok Cushion, Real Fur
  • Springbok Cushion, Real Fur
  • Springbok Cushion, Real Fur
  • Springbok Cushion, Real Fur
H 17.72 in. W 17.72 in. D 7.88 in.
Glacier 1 Silk Pillow, Light Blue
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Diverse in beauty, glacier inspires hand-painted expression in desaturated hues. Rippling ice and water flows fill the space as the pillow brings to life the twinkle and beauty of an...
Category

2010s American Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Silk

  • Glacier 1 Silk Pillow, Light Blue
  • Glacier 1 Silk Pillow, Light Blue
  • Glacier 1 Silk Pillow, Light Blue
  • Glacier 1 Silk Pillow, Light Blue
H 18 in. W 18 in. D 18 in.
Shunya Gold Shibori Silk Pillow
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Custom design by Studio Variously, Shunya Gold pillow is handmade by master artisans in India. A sustainable design brand based out of Michigan, Studio Variously exclusively collaborates with artisan communities to restore and revive ancient techniques by exploring custom modern designs in textile based products. Shunya Gold pillow is luxurious and exquisite with its unique shibori...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Silk

  • Shunya Gold Shibori Silk Pillow
  • Shunya Gold Shibori Silk Pillow
  • Shunya Gold Shibori Silk Pillow
  • Shunya Gold Shibori Silk Pillow
H 20 in. W 20 in. D 5 in.
Previously Available Items
Leopard Fur Pillow, Springbok Skin
Located in Dural, AU
It's the season of wild and exotic leopard prints, so set your interiors free with this glamorous leopard fur pillow. A beautifully designed print, screen printed over an African Springbok skin...
Category

2010s Australian Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Fur

  • Leopard Fur Pillow, Springbok Skin
  • Leopard Fur Pillow, Springbok Skin
  • Leopard Fur Pillow, Springbok Skin
  • Leopard Fur Pillow, Springbok Skin
H 3.94 in. W 15.75 in. D 15.75 in.
Schumacher Toile De La Prairie Pillow in Brown
Located in New York, NY
This pillow features Toile De La Prairie with a knife edge finish. A meadow’s worth of songbirds, butterflies, blooming branches, and seed pods intermingl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton

Vintage Silver Metallic Threads Long Decorative Tassel
Located in Oakland Park, FL
Vintage silver metallic threads long decorative tassel. Hand twisted. Size: 14" L x 2" D.
Category

1940s French Vintage Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Metallic Thread

Fortuny Fabric Cushions in the Impero Pattern
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Fortuny fabric cushions in the Impero pattern, yellow and gold color way taffeta backing material, yellow and gold color way, the pattern, a 19th century Empire motif Newl...
Category

2010s North American Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton

Pair of 19th Century Green and Gold Silk Velvet Decorative Pillows with Tassels
Located in Oakland Park, FL
Pair of 19th century green and gold silk velvet decorative pillows with tassels. ATG custom designed pair of square pillows. Green silk velvet in the front, embellished with a woven ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Metallic Thread

Pair of Fortuny Fabric Cushions in the Crosini Pattern
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Fortuny fabric cushions in the Crosoni pattern, green ground with silk bias edging and red taffeta backing material, the pattern, an 18th century French Empire design with ...
Category

2010s American Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton, Silk

Gorgeous Designer Embroidered Pair of Gold Throw Pillows
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elegant pair of designer throw pillows, satin embroidered with metal gold thread and polychrome embroideries. By textile designer Gerry Nichol I...
Category

20th Century American Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Satin

Pair of Fortuny Fabric Cushion in the Impero Pattern
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Fortuny fabric cushions in the Impero pattern, rust taffeta backing, red and silver color way, the pattern, a 19th century Empire motif Newly made using vintage Fortuny fa...
Category

2010s American Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton, Silk

19th Century French Damask Pillow
By Atelier Lam
Located in Oakland Park, FL
French damask gold and celadon green silk pillow, golden silk backing and gold decorative antique trim around.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Metallic Thread

  • 19th Century French Damask Pillow
  • 19th Century French Damask Pillow
  • 19th Century French Damask Pillow
  • 19th Century French Damask Pillow
H 19 in. W 19 in. D 7 in.
Fortuny Fabric Cushion in the Impero Pattern
Located in New York, NY
A Fortuny fabric red and silvery gold Impero pattern cushion with handmade metallic lace gallon border, pinstriped silk bias edging, and matching back. Newly made using vintage Fortu...
Category

2010s American Empire Pillows and Throws

Materials

Cotton, Linen, Silk

Empire pillows and throws for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire pillows and throws for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage pillows and throws created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, seating, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, silk and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire pillows and throws made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Armenia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original pillows and throws, popular names associated with this style include Schumacher, and Emily Barbara. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for pillows and throws differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $120 and tops out at $750 while the average work can sell for $300.

Recently Viewed

View More